The goal of the course is to provide students with fundamental concepts focused on the neurobiological basis of animal behavior. Throughout the term, students will explore a range of behaviors in Drosophila, each of which will be associated with different experimental techniques currently used in the field.

Sleep and circadian rhythms Main concepts: Endogenous timekeeping, conservation of genetic networks controlling behaviors across species. Techniques: Live imaging and the study of neuronal connectivity.

State of the art genetic techniques employed in class will be oriented towards the dissection of neuronal circuits and manipulation of neuronal activity, an approach not currently used in existing laboratory courses. Live imaging and optogenetic experiments will offer students access to some of the most advanced tools currently available for the study of neuronal connectivity.

Course Requirements:

Grades are based on two lab reports, frequent short quizzes before the class and an organized laboratory notebook.

Syllabi are available to current LSA students. IMPORTANT: These syllabi are provided to give students a general idea about the courses, as offered by LSA departments and programs in prior academic terms. The syllabi do not necessarily reflect the assignments, sequence of course materials, and/or course expectations that the faculty and departments/programs have for these same courses in the current and/or future terms.